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That’s my cue.
I give Maia’s leg a squeeze. “You wanna go for a walk in the snow?”
She doesn’t move for a second, but then jumps up. “I gotta put on all my snow gear.” She turns to leave, then spins back around and looks at her dad.
He smiles brightly. “I’ve got her. We’re gonna have a cozy afternoon of snuggles and reading.”
“Thanks. I’ll be right back.”
Once she’s out of the room and we hear the door click behind her as she heads for the cottage, everyone turns to look at me.
“Can you please cool it?” I say. I’m trying hard not to be nervous, but it’s impossible. Is any guy ever calm before doing this?
“We’re just excited,” my brother says, clapping a hand on my shoulder.
“She’s gonna say yes,” Leigh assures me. Then she sighs. “I’d hug you but—” She gestures to her giant stomach.
“Thank you, I appreciate that. Now, I’m going to get changed and grab what I need.” I turn to Micah. “Go on, we’ll see you out there.”
He smiles brightly and gives me a nod. I make my way toward the door to the garage, on the other side of which is the cottage, as people pat me on the back and wish me good luck along the way. Who doesn’t need a little extra pressure?
“Hey,” Maia says, stepping out of the cottage just as I get to the door.
She throws her arms around my neck and gives me a steamy kiss, calming my nerves.
“I’m gonna grab my stuff, then I’ll be ready.”
“Hurry up,” she says, giving my butt a swat.
She walks back to the main house and I hope everyone can stay calm while she’s in there.
Heading into the cottage, I grab my snow pants and pull them on. Then I walk over to my suitcase and open a small internal pocket that’s mostly hidden. I pull out the ring—truly the most important thing I have—and flip the box open, taking it in.
It’s vintage from the 1920s and has been in my family for years and years. I don’t know much about cuts and styles, but from what my mom said, it’s an old European cut diamond set in a square base with lots of smaller diamonds surrounding it. It’s beautiful and more than I ever thought I’d be able to give her. I can’t wait for her to see it.
I close the box and put it in the pocket of my snow pants, then zip it shut.
Time to do this.
“This is even more beautiful than I thought it would be,” Maia says as we walk through the snow hand-in-hand. The cabin we’re staying in is positioned near a ridge that looks out over some of the mountains of the resort we’re staying near. “I bet Micah’s getting some good shots, too.” She nods a little way ahead, where Micah is taking pictures.
He turns to us and waves a hand. “Come check out the view from here. It’s amazing.”
My stomach twists, but I push past it, grabbing Maia’s hand and leading her toward him.
Micah steps aside when we get to him so we can take in the view. I stand behind Maia and wrap my arms around her waist.
“What do you think?” I whisper in her ear.
“Perfect,” she breathes.
I kiss her neck, then pull my arms from her waist. “I was hoping you’d say that.” I step around, so I’m standing in front of her, and take her hands in mine.
“I have something to make it even better.”
She tilts her head in question as she looks at me. I stare into her perfect brown eyes for a moment longer, then drop to one knee.
